Career Timeline of Aaron Judge: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Aaron Judge, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Aaron Judge is a highly accomplished American professional baseball outfielder for the New York Yankees. Noted for his exceptional height and power, he holds the American League record for most home runs in a season (62). A seven-time MLB All-Star and two-time AL MVP winner, Judge is considered one of the best hitters of his generation and among the greatest home run hitters ever.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2010: Oakland Athletics Draft

In 2010, the Oakland Athletics selected Aaron Judge in the 31st round of the MLB draft, but he chose to attend California State University, Fresno.

July 2012: Joined Brewster Whitecaps

In July 2012, Aaron Judge played collegiate summer baseball for the Brewster Whitecaps of the Cape Cod Baseball League.

2013: Signed with Yankees and Injury

In 2013, Aaron Judge was drafted by the Yankees and signed with them, receiving a $1.8 million signing bonus. However, he tore a quadriceps femoris muscle during a base-running drill, preventing him from playing in the 2013 season.

2013: Drafted by the Yankees

In 2013, Aaron Judge was selected by the New York Yankees with the 32nd pick in the first round of the MLB draft.

2014: Professional Debut

In 2014, Aaron Judge made his professional debut with the Charleston RiverDogs, achieving a .333 batting average and .958 OPS in 65 games. He was later promoted to the Tampa Yankees, where he continued to perform well.

2015: Spring Training and Promotions

In 2015, Aaron Judge was invited to spring training by the Yankees and began the season with the Trenton Thunder. After a strong performance, he was promoted to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in June and was selected to play in the 2015 All-Star Futures Game.

August 13, 2016: MLB Debut Home Run

On August 13, 2016, Aaron Judge made his MLB debut, hitting a home run in his first at-bat against the Tampa Bay Rays. Tyler Austin, his teammate, also hit a home run in his first at-bat in the same game, marking a historic moment.

2016: MLB Debut

In 2016, Aaron Judge made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut.

2016: International League All-Star Team

In 2016, Aaron Judge was named to the International League All-Star Team but did not play due to a knee sprain. He played 93 games for the RailRiders, batting .270 with 19 home runs.

May 15, 2017: Sports Illustrated Cover

On May 15, 2017, Aaron Judge appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated with the title "All Rise".

November 6, 2017: Cover Athlete for MLB The Show 18

On November 6, 2017, Aaron Judge was named the cover athlete for MLB The Show 18.

2017: Regular Season Achievements

In 2017, Aaron Judge finished the regular season with a .284/.422/.627 slash line, 52 home runs, and 114 RBIs. He led the AL in home runs, runs scored, and walks, but also led MLB in strikeouts.

2017: Home Run Derby Winner

In 2017, Aaron Judge won the Home Run Derby, defeating Miguel Sanó in the final round, becoming the first rookie to win the Derby outright. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred suggested Judge could become the face of the game.

2017: AL Rookie of the Year

In 2017, Judge was unanimously voted as AL Rookie of the Year and finished second in AL MVP voting. He also set a new MLB rookie record with 52 home runs and won the Home Run Derby.

2017: Postseason Performance

In 2017, during the MLB postseason, Aaron Judge hit a home run in the Wild Card Game, robbed Francisco Lindor of a home run in the ALDS, and hit three home runs in the ALCS. He also set a major league record with 27 strikeouts in the postseason.

2019: Home Run Over Green Monster

On September 8, 2019, Aaron Judge hit a home run over Fenway Park's Green Monster, setting a new franchise record for team home runs in a season for the Yankees.

September 20, 2022: Judge hits 60th Home Run

On September 20, 2022, Aaron Judge hit his 60th home run of the season against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Yankee Stadium, becoming the third MLB player in American League history to reach this milestone in one season and the fastest Yankee to do so in 147 games.

December 20, 2022: Signs Nine-Year Deal with Yankees; Named Captain

On December 20, 2022, Aaron Judge signed a nine-year, $360 million deal with the Yankees, breaking the record for the largest free agent deal in MLB history, and was named the 16th captain of the Yankees.

2022: Re-signed with Yankees and Named Captain

Following the 2022 season, Aaron Judge re-signed with the Yankees on a nine-year, $360-million contract and was named the team's captain.

2022: AL MVP Award

In 2022, Aaron Judge won his first MVP award after setting the AL single-season home run record, breaking Roger Maris's 61-year-old record.

August 2023: Signs Shoe Deal with Jordan Brand

In August 2023, Aaron Judge signed a shoe deal with Nike-owned Jordan Brand, becoming the fifth active MLB player to do so.

January 2024: ALL RISE Foundation Gala

In January 2024, the ALL RISE Foundation, founded by Aaron Judge, hosted an "All-Star Evening" gala on Wall Street, raising nearly $800,000 for youth programs in New York City.

March 2024: Face of Ralph Lauren Fragrance

In March 2024, Aaron Judge was named the face of a new Ralph Lauren fragrance, "Polo Est. 67 Eau de Toilette", and its "Design Your Dreams" ad campaign.

April 2024: Partners with Prime Energy Drink

In April 2024, Aaron Judge partnered with Logan Paul and KSI's energy drink Prime.

2024: Second MVP Award

In 2024, Aaron Judge won his second MVP award by unanimous vote, leading MLB in home runs and OPS and becoming the fastest MLB player to reach 300 career home runs. That postseason, the Yankees won their first AL pennant in 15 years.

April 14, 2025: Named Team USA Captain for 2026 World Baseball Classic

On April 14, 2025, Aaron Judge was named captain of Team USA ahead of the 2026 World Baseball Classic. The announcement was made by Team USA manager Mark DeRosa.